Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday inaugurated the 36th edition of the world-famous Konark Festival, held against the majestic backdrop of the UNESCO-recognised Konark Sun Temple.
The five-day cultural extravaganza remains one of Odisha’s most cherished platforms for classical dance and a major attraction for art enthusiasts from across India and abroad.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said classical dance forms were not merely artistic expressions but profound spiritual experiences that guided practitioners toward the divine.
He described the Konark Festival as a vibrant symbol of Odisha’s cultural identity, noting that it not only showcases Odissi but also plays an important role in presenting the state’s artistic heritage on the global stage.
This year’s festival features performances by renowned artistes from across the country in classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Manipuri, and Kathak, alongside Odissi.
Majhi said that bringing together dance traditions from different states made the Konark Festival a vital platform for preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage.
International Sand Art Festival Opens at Chandrabhaga
During the event, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the 15th International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga beach. A total of 143 sand artists from various Indian states and several countries—including Japan, Spain, Russia, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sri Lanka—are participating this year.
Majhi said the overwhelming international participation underscored the festival’s growing global appeal. He thanked Padma Sudarsan Pattnaik, the festival’s brand ambassador, for his continuous efforts in promoting sand art on international platforms.
Subhadra Shakti Mela Showcases Women’s Enterprise
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Subhadra Shakti Mela and visited various stalls. More than 200 varieties of handicrafts, organic products, and locally made items are being displayed by over 200 women-led self-help groups (SHGs) across 150 stalls.
Majhi said the fair would help generate national and international interest in products made by women entrepreneurs. He added that initiatives like Subhadra Shakti Mela would empower women to achieve financial independence and establish themselves as successful entrepreneurs through craftsmanship, hard work, and innovation.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Puri MLA Sunil Mohanty, Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak, Satyabadi MLA Om Prakash Mishra, Kakatpur MLA Tusharkanti Behera, Brahmagiri MLA Upasna Mohapatra, Puri District Collector Divyajyoti Parida, Odisha Sahitya Akademi Secretary Chandrasekhar Hota, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
